Celtics target next Friday for Garnett’s return

Kevin Garnett could return to the court for the Celtics as soon as next Friday, Jan. 22 against the Portland Trailblazers, according to Celtics coach Doc Rivers.

“I think there’s an outside chance that would be the return game,” said Rivers. “Outside chance. There’s a chance.”

Garnett has been working out on his own but has not resumed basketball workouts with the team. He walked through the Celtics locker room this evening in good spirits, without any kind of support on his right knee.

Brian Scalabrine will start tonight for the Celtics. Rasheed Wallace, as expected, is out again. Rivers says he thinks Wallace can return Monday night against Dallas.

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“We get three days off [after tonight’s game],” said Rivers. “I’m thinking Wednesday at the latest, but I would guess Monday.

Wallace was his typical standout self, cutoff sweat pants and mouth running, in the locker room before tonight’s game.

Rivers said it was likely his team will be fully healthy by the time the playoffs come around.

“Oh I think it’s very good,” said Rivers. “You never know, I mean you can never predict, but yeah, I can’t see why we would not be…[Injuries] happened, and I think we’re working our way through them. If you can design the perfect world, if we can get back after the All-Star break and stay healthy, that would be phenomenal.”

Glen Davis got hit last night on his surgically repaired hand, but he is good to go tonight.

“Yeah, he’s OK,” said Rivers. “With the thumb and the surgery, he’s going to get that a lot. When you get hit on it, he just has to get used to that. It’s going to be a painful season in some ways. When he gets hit it’s going to hurt like heck.

The Celtics and the Shamrock Foundation are teaming up with UNICEF to help with ongoing relief efforts in Haiti. Celtics fans can make donations tonight and at Monday’s game vs. Dallas. Donations made will be matched by the team’s Shamrock Foundation.

Fans not attending the games but wishing to donate can do so on Celtics.com.